Massena hospital posts net gain for March

MASSENA  Massena Memorial Hospital turned a profit for the month of March after months of running in the red because of diminished revenue and rising expenses, officials reported last week.

During March, the hospital pulled in revenue of approximately $4,293,000 and spent $4,256,000, for a profit of about $37,000.

Tina R. Corcoran, senior director of public relations and planning for the town-owned hospital, attributed the gains to increased visits at the walk-in clinic, which treated 612 patients in March, surpassing the 500 visits the hospital budgeted for the month.

Its a constantly growing clinic. It helps maintain some of our market share in the community, Ms. Corcoran said.

The addition of doctors with new skills also has helped increase revenue, hospital officials said.

Zachary K. Chapman, senior director of practice management, said the hospital has benefited greatly from the arrival of Dr. Kejian Tang, the facilitys first full-time neurologist.

Dr. Tang, who moved to the area from Schenectady and began at Massena Memorial in January, has provided the hospital with new services, such as treatment for dementia, migraines and the onset of strokes.

Dr. Tang already has seen more than 600 patients.

Hes a welcome addition to St. Lawrence County due to the lack of a neurologist in the county, Mr. Chapman said.

However, Ms. Corcoran said she feels the strong financial month should not be attributed to one or two new services, but to the collaborative effort of the entire hospital staff.

Our staff has been very conscious of our budgets, Ms. Corcoran said.

Though Massena Memorial saw a net profit in March, the hospital has lost nearly $1 million so far this year.

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